Issue 8 • Summer 2019
SUMMER ON THE RIVERFRONT
W
e are thrilled that so many of you have joined us on the Detroit Riverfront this summer. Our plazas have been packed with kids, families, dogs, and joggers venturing down to the riverfront to enjoy cool breezes and beautiful views of the Detroit River. The Detroit Riverfront continues to be a diverse gathering place where our entire community comes together. This summer we broke records. More than 200,000 people attended Detroit River Days at West Riverfront Park. For many, this was the first time that they had experienced the future site of Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park. We also enjoyed a record turnout of almost 1,300 participants for our Riverfront Run. We had our largest ever Fishing Fest with 800 attendees.
Every Yoga and Tai Chi class was packed to capacity, including three sold-out Moonlight Yoga sessions. Over 400 kids discovered the joy of Reading and Rhythm every Thursday and Friday. And close to 1,200 seniors visited the riverfront each week during the DMC Riverwalkers program. All the while, our incredible team has been working hard to create new and exciting spaces along the riverfront. We saw construction begin on the Joseph Campau Greenway project and the addition of a boardwalk across the Riverfront Towers property. In the coming weeks, we will celebrate the grand opening of Robert C. Valade Park—formerly known as Atwater Beach—which features a giant sandbox and play area for kids, drinks on the first ever riverfront barge and great food in the shed area off Atwater Street.
There is still time to visit the Dequindre Cut Freight Yard or listen to some music at the Campbell Terrace Performance Series. And, fall favorites return with Soirée on the Greenway on September 13 and HarvestFest on October 26. Your support makes all of this possible. Thank you for visiting the riverfront this summer and for supporting the Conservancy all year. I hope to see you soon along the riverfront. Mark Wallace President & CEO